Jade impresses on debut

FAST-rising Rotherham athlete Jade Allen made her international debut on Sunday—and proved that she has the ability to compete at the top level.

Jade, selected following her recent good form in both the Yorkshire and Northern Championships, joined team mates Rosie Smith (Durham) and Emma Clayton (Bingley) in the North of England Senior Women’s team at Hulshout in Belgium.

The event, one of the prestigious Lotto Cross Cup events, also had teams representing England. Along with the cream of Belgium's endurance athletes, it ensured a high quality field.

The women’s race was won by Hallamshire athlete and UK international Hatti Dean, selected for England and in great form following two spells of altitude training in Kenya this winter.

Hatti finished the 6400m course in 21:06, 13 seconds ahead of fellow England athlete Hannah Doran (21:19) with Belgium's Veerle Dejaeghere third in 21:25.

In snowy, freezing conditions, Jade (21), from Brampton-en-le-Morthen, had a good run to finish 17th in 23:09.